Francesco "Frank" Costanzo

FRANCESCO “FRANK” COSTANZO, age 91, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 13, 2019. Beloved husband of Concetta Florence “Connie” (nee Scherma) (deceased) for 51 years and Rilda A. “Sue” (nee Means); loving father of Nancy Jean Kubiak (Thomas), Mary Ellen Hunt (Robert), Elaine Duke (Harold Hanson), Frank A. Costanzo (Susan) and Cynthia Noble (Mark); dearest grandfather of Thomas, Daniel (Lori) and Mary Alison (deceased) Kubiak, Brian (Holly) and Jason Duke (Cameron), Gina, Christina and Anthony Costanzo, Mariana and Francesco Noble; dear great-grandfather of Catherine, Lucia, Henry, Violet, Joseph, Anne and Walter Kubiak, Joy Duke and Alaina Thoennes; son of the late Marco Costanzo and Annunziata Di Siena; brother of Grace Malone (deceased), Filippa Rodwan (deceased), Pasquale (deceased) and Domenic Costanzo of Cincinnati; step-father of seven; step-grandfather of 20; step-great-grandfather of two; uncle, cousin and friend of many.

Thank you for joining in honoring the life of Francesco (Frank) Mark Costanzo. Frank’s most significant accomplishment was the impact he had on so many others’ lives.  He was a counselor, a guide, a financier, a husband and father, and a life force for so many men and women in the Cleveland area.  He was a pillar for the  Corenese people of Cleveland and an elder in the society.

Frank’s life story was one filled with challenges – challenges he prided himself in overcoming. He was the fourth child of Italian immigrant parents, Annunziata DiSiena and Marco Costanzo.  As with all immigrant families, life was difficult. His native language was Italian, and he had to learn English as he entered school.  Finances were always hard. But his house was led and filled with love, and freshly baked bread, by his mother Annunziata, who his children lovingly called Grandma Macaroni.  When his father died young, when Frank was just 12 years old, life became even harder for his family.  Frank stood up and began his life in business with a shoe shining business that brought critical income to the family.  His continued with his entrepreneurship and business savvy throughout his life.  He also developed a “street smart” that he used to help all who knew him succeed in their lives.

Professionally, Frank was a self-made man. His formal education was limited but his business sense was unparalleled.  After a short stint in the insurance business, he spent his career at United Parcel Service (UPS). Frank rose to the top leadership ranks quickly, yet always remained a leader of the people.  Yet Frank kept his family first, refusing promotions to higher positions so he could keep his family stable and near extended family and friends in Cleveland.  His pragmatism and natural business savvy were valued by all in UPS.  He rose through the ranks and especially enjoyed leading people, and what we would call today “business process improvement”.   He is a true self-made man, and UPS greatly benefitted from his career.

Frank was a loving husband and father. He was always there for his children, protecting them from the meatballs and coconuts.  And visible strength of his love grew over the years, and he just cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   Papa was all the love, laughter, and companionship the title embraces to them.  All three generations smile as they recall the wonderful family times, often centered around the backyard pool.  Swimming and eating were two family activities that bound the family Frank led.  And when it came to food, sweets were always at the top of his list.  Until his last day, Frank could consume superhuman amounts of gelato, cream puffs, and a wide variety of chocolates.

Some of Frank’s happiest times included those with his extended family in the beautiful village of Coreno Ausonio in the southern portion of the Lazio province of Italy. His cousins and the fresh figs and pasta, good homemade wine, and clear mountain air provided are the legacy of the love of the sincerity, beauty, and yes food, of his Italian roots were a source of joy to him throughout his life.  From the fresh figs to the warmth and love of each of his family members still living in Italy, Frank’s best stories come from the joy of these visits.

Frank was an active member of the Circolo Italo-Americano Coronese Club and Neighborhood Veterans’ Club. You could almost always find Frank at the Veterans’ Club on Wednesday’s playing cards and sharing stories.  It was wonderfully comforting for Frank to have the companionship of so many men who shared life stories similar to his.  He was also a member of the Neighborhood Veterans’ Club, Order of Sons of Italy, and Knights of Columbus.

Frank was a strong man. His many stories reflected how eager he was to take a stand and do the right thing.  He had an inner strength that was visible to all.  Yet he had a very soft side, one he didn’t talk about much but one that you could see in his actions.  Most of the Frank’s time and energy was spent caring for his mother, his wife, his children and his grandchildren greatgrandchildren and friend.  His joy was our successes, and his heartbreak was our heartbreaks.  His heart was taking care of us, and he did a wonderful job at that.  So many of us have our personal story about how Frank carried us through a tough time.  Hold on to those with joy and as an honor to his life.  And take comfort in knowing that he rests with our Lord.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 www.hospicewr.org .  Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ladislas Church, 2345 Bassett Rd., Westlake, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 10 a.m. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.  Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), TUESDAY 3-8 P.M.